After returning to the royal palace, Sion made his way through the silent corridors, leaving behind the ashes of the Avalon Merchant Group's hidden branch. The night had been painted in blood and fire — 80 traitors silenced, their crimes burned into evidence now resting in his hands.
By morning, a secret chamber deep within the royal palace buzzed with tension. King Nathan, Queen Elizabeth, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Leonard, Duke Jonathan Everan, Sara, and John Ragnar had gathered in silence, awaiting Sion's report.
Sion stepped forward, placed the bundle of documents on the council table, and spoke in a low, unwavering voice.
"I've destroyed one of Avalon's major outposts. These are the records—proof that the Spade Kingdom and Bethel Empire are working together, forming a silent pact to undermine the Clover Kingdom from within."
The air thickened.
"Their strategy begins with corruption and economic strangling. Twenty-two nobles—almost half of our court—have already pledged allegiance to them. The plan is to first take down the Dukedoms of Presia and Zion, then sever our alliance with the Elven Kingdom of Sidom. After that, they'll isolate and eliminate royal loyalists, and finally… strike the crown."
A stunned silence followed.
King Nathan leaned forward. "You're certain of this?"
Sion's eyes narrowed. "Yes. And someone has been shadowing me ever since the Avalon outpost raid. A powerful observer. They know I'm getting close."
Queen Elizabeth clenched her fists. "This... is war."
Duke Jonathan stood, furious. "Betrayal within our own court—!"
Sion interrupted, "We don't have time to argue. We're surrounded—militarily, economically, magically. If we don't act now, we'll be too late."
King Nathan's tone grew cold. "So what do you propose, Sion Ragnar?"
Sion stood firm. "Give me command of the Eagle Knights. One month. I will identify and eliminate the traitors from the shadows."
Nathan scoffed. "The Eagle Knights are under royal command. You think you can order them around as you please?"
Sion didn't back down. "If the throne won't act swiftly, I will."
Tension rose like a blade in the air. Nathan's eyes narrowed. "You question my leadership?"
Sion stepped forward, his voice calm but steely. "I question your urgency."
"Enough," Queen Elizabeth interjected. "This bickering serves no one. The threat is real. We need unity, not pride."
King Nathan exhaled, then said sharply, "Very well. The Eagle Knights are yours—for this mission. But first, you'll serve another purpose."
Sion's expression didn't change.
"You will act as my envoy to the Elven Kingdom of Sidom. They've requested aid against similar threats from the Spade Kingdom. You'll deliver our offer of alliance."
John Ragnar frowned. "You're sending my son alone, Your Majesty?"
Nathan cut him off, "Yes. Because unlike our court, he doesn't hesitate."
Before they could speak further, Leonard muttered bitterly, "And now a bastard commands our elite knights and carries royal diplomacy..."
The room froze.
Sion's killing intent burst forth — cold, sharp, suffocating. Leonard's voice died in his throat.
Katherine rolled her eyes. "Leonard. Shut up before I do it for you."
The king gave a single nod. "Meeting dismissed. Sion, prepare to depart."
As Sion exited, his mind was already racing ahead — to Sidom, to war, and to the next move in a game that had already claimed too many lives.